Accreditation criteria: ISO/IEC 17025
Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Standard
ISO/IEC 17025
At a glance
Who it's for
- Testing laboratories (chemical, mechanical, electrical, microbiological)
- Calibration laboratories
- In-house industrial and R&D labs
- Government and university laboratories
Key requirements
- Validated or verified test and calibration methods
- Metrological traceability and measurement uncertainty
- Proficiency testing or inter-laboratory comparisons
- Quality management system per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 8
Benefits of accreditation
- Independent evidence of competence supporting customer acceptance
- Potential to reduce duplicate testing where results meet acceptance requirements
- Demonstrated technical competence for each method
- Greater confidence in laboratory competence within the accredited scope
Overview
What does a testing and calibration laboratory do?
A testing and/or calibration laboratory is a specialized entity that conducts precise measurements, analyses and evaluations of materials, products or samples to determine their properties, characteristics or performance. They focus on verifying and adjusting measuring instruments and equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Testing laboratories perform a wide range of tests on materials, products or samples to assess their quality, safety, compliance with standards or suitability for specific purposes. Calibration laboratories use reference standards and procedures to calibrate measuring devices. Their assessments contribute to the trustworthiness and competitiveness of businesses, as well as the protection of public health and safety.
Criteria
ISO/IEC 17025
ISO/IEC 17025 specifies requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates that a laboratory has implemented a quality management system and adheres to internationally recognized technical standards and best practices. The standard covers the qualification and competency of personnel, the validity and reliability of test methods, the traceability of measurements and the proper handling of test and calibration items.
Process
Your 6-step path to accreditation
- 01
Application
Laboratories initiate the accreditation process by submitting an application form along with relevant documentation, such as quality manuals, procedures and evidence of technical competence.
- 02
Assessment
ACBNA conducts an on-site assessment to evaluate the laboratory's compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, including a review of documentation, interviews with personnel and observation of testing and calibration activities.
- 03
Review by accreditation committee
The assessment findings are reviewed by the accreditation committee, which determines whether the laboratory meets the accreditation criteria. The committee may request additional information or clarification before making a decision.
- 04
Committee decision
Based on the assessment findings and recommendations, the accreditation committee makes a decision regarding accreditation status. Accredited laboratories receive a certificate and are listed on ACBNA's official registry.
- 05
Annual surveillance
Accredited laboratories undergo regular surveillance assessments to ensure ongoing compliance, including site visits, document reviews and proficiency testing.
- 06
Reaccreditation at 4 years
Accreditation is valid for four years. To maintain accreditation, laboratories must undergo reaccreditation at the end of this period, involving a comprehensive reassessment of technical competence, quality management system and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.
Scope
Accreditation scope domains
The industries and sectors in which testing and calibration laboratorys operate.
Dimensional metrology
Length, angles, geometric tolerances, surface roughness.
Mass & weighing instruments
Scales, balances, weights.
Temperature & humidity
Thermometers, climatic chambers, hygrometers.
Electrical & electronics
Voltage, current, resistance, power, frequency.
Mechanical & force
Force gauges, torque, hardness testers, vibration, pressure.
Optical & photometry
Light, color, lenses, optical systems, spectrometry.
Acoustics & vibration
Sound level meters, microphones, accelerometers.
Time & frequency
Timers, oscillators, frequency standards.
Chemical testing
Composition, contaminants, analytical chemistry.
Biological & microbiological testing
Microorganisms, genetic testing, biotechnology.
Environmental testing
Air, water, soil, waste, noise, emissions.
Mechanical / physical testing
Strength, hardness, fatigue, vibration, thermal cycling, flammability.
Materials testing
Metals, polymers, ceramics, composites.
Electrical & electronic testing
Electromagnetic compatibility, safety testing, electronic devices.
Medical & clinical testing
Clinical chemistry, hematology, molecular diagnostics.
Food & agricultural testing
Food safety, nutritional analysis, pesticide residues, microbiological contamination.
Pharmaceutical testing
Stability, validation, quality control of drugs.
Forensic testing
DNA analysis, toxicology, trace evidence, digital forensics.
Construction & civil engineering materials testing
Concrete, asphalt, soils, aggregates, structural components.
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